South Pond at 12000 South from Google Street View

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Description:
The ponds along I-15 at 12000 south are 2 ponds--one small round pond to the north, and a long thin pond to the south buttressed up against the west side of Interstate 15 at 12000 south in Draper/South Jordan, Utah. To the west is currently an empty field but it will likely end up being developed.  The ponds have a small amount of riparian habitat around them including mostly russian olive but some other small deciduous trees and bushes.  The ponds vary in depth and how full they are and at times seem deep enough for diving birds, while at other times have exposed mud flats for shorebirds.  Although this is low quality habitat, the open water is some of the only habitat in the area making it a bit of an oasis.

Birding:
As with many locations in eBird this isn't really a hot spot--but a public location where occasionally people submit checklists.  That being said it could likely have a decent bird list with some concerted effort.  What has been reported appears to mostly be in passing.  The obvious urban warrior EUROPEAN STARLIG and ROCK PIGEON are a common sight.  The starlings seem to roost in nearby trees by the 100's.  The ponds usually have CANADA GEESE on them, but would likely turn up more waterfowl with closer inspection. GADWALL, RUDDY DUCK, and CACKLING GOOSE have been reported here.  AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN have been observed while other waterbirds haven't yet been observed.  Hopefully, with some more interest a better species list can be put together.  Birding is easiest and safest from the west side opposite the freeway.  Walking along here is the best way to look around.

Directions:
From I-15 in Draper, take exit 291 for 12300 South west bound. About a block off the freeway take your first right onto Lone Peak Parkway going north. There are currently 3 options for viewing the ponds.  1 is to turn right onto 12200 south after about a block and drive to the turn around. Turn left and go north to the end of the parking lot and hang a right till you reach the northeast corner.  Parking here you can see the ponds to your east.  You should still be able to walk along the west side here.  The 2nd option is to stay north on Lone Peak Parkway for another block till you reach a street on your left and a dirt road on your right (just passed the canal).  Turn right on the dirt road and follow it till it dead ends at the ponds.  This will likely be developed in the near future though.  The 3rd option is to keep going north another 1/2 block till you reach the parking lot for the aquarium on your right.  Turn in here and park and walk along the south side of the aquarium passing the entrance and continuing to the north pond.